2 Cyclists Encounter Mountain Lion on California Trail in Frightening Video: ‘Go Away, Kitty!’

Two cyclists in California had a heart-pounding encounter with a mountain lion while biking through Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Lake Forest.

The riders, who shared footage of the incident anonymously with ABC7 Eyewitness News, said they first spotted the big cat crouched among the bushes along the Orange County trail. In the video, the mountain lion — also known as a cougar, puma, or panther — peers out cautiously before stepping onto the trail.

As the bikers slowly backed away, keeping their bikes between themselves and the animal, the mountain lion began following them. At one point, it broke into a quicker trot, closing the distance. One rider can be heard shouting, “Go away, kitty!” while other words were censored by ABC7.

Eventually, the big cat made a brief charge before veering off the trail and disappearing into the brush. The cyclists escaped unharmed, according to ABC7.

Wildlife photographer and scientist Mark Girardeau told the outlet the animal appeared to be a young juvenile, likely recently separated from its mother. “Because it still has spots, it probably recently left mom,” he said. “It’s probably just curious — trying to figure out what these humans are.”

Park officials have since been alerted, as there was a second reported encounter with what’s believed to be the same mountain lion. The park has a history with such incidents — a mountain biker was fatally attacked by a cougar there in 2004.

The Mountain Lion Foundation offers advice for those who may encounter the animals in the wild. It emphasizes staying alert, traveling in groups, keeping pets leashed, and avoiding any approach toward wildlife.

“Give them space, and do NOT approach, film, or follow,” the foundation advises. “If you encounter a mountain lion, remember to Appear Large, Be Loud, Make Eye Contact, Back Away Slowly, and If Attacked, Fight Back.”